Students typically find the free-response essays (FRQ) more challenging because they require not just understanding, but also the ability to construct sophisticated arguments under time pressure. The multiple-choice section tests your ability to identify rhetorical devices and analyze author's purpose, which many students find more straightforward. However, both sections reward strong close-reading skills—the real advantage comes from practice analyzing texts deeply and learning to support your ideas with specific textual evidence. A tutor can help you build confidence in both areas through targeted practice and feedback on your writing.

Time management is one of the biggest challenges students face. For the multiple-choice section (1 hour), aim to spend about 1.5-2 minutes per question, which gives you time to read actively and eliminate weaker choices without rushing. For the free-response essays (2 hours 40 minutes), dedicate roughly 40 minutes per essay—including 10 minutes for planning your argument and gathering evidence. Many students rush their outline, which leads to weak thesis statements and disorganized arguments. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy and practice under timed conditions to build confidence.

Los Angeles schools serve incredibly diverse student populations across 169 school districts, which means AP English classrooms vary widely in their focus and curriculum emphasis. Some schools emphasize literary analysis, others prioritize contemporary rhetoric and argument. The best preparation accounts for your specific school's priorities while building the foundational skills the AP exam requires—close reading, evidence-based argumentation, and strong prose. Connecting with a tutor familiar with the broader AP English curriculum ensures you're prepared for the exam itself, regardless of what your classroom emphasizes.

Aim to take at least 3-4 full-length, timed practice tests in the weeks leading up to the exam. Your first test should serve as a diagnostic—it helps identify which question types, essays, or rhetorical concepts give you the most trouble. Subsequent tests let you practice your pacing strategy and track improvement. Between practice tests, focus on targeted work on your weak areas rather than taking test after test. A tutor can help you review each practice test strategically, pinpoint patterns in your mistakes, and develop specific strategies to address them.

A strong AP English essay opens with a clear, specific thesis that directly answers the prompt and previews your argument. Each body paragraph should focus on a single piece of textual evidence (a quote, scene, or rhetorical choice) and explain how it supports your thesis. The most effective essays go beyond identifying literary devices—they explain the author's purpose and effect. Many students spend too little time planning their argument, which leads to weak organization and underdeveloped ideas. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can teach you a planning process that works under time pressure and help you practice writing fully developed essays with strong evidence and analysis.

Test anxiety often peaks during the essay portion because the stakes feel high and the blank page is intimidating. The best antidote is familiarity—the more you practice essays under timed conditions with feedback, the less anxious the process becomes. Develop a pre-exam routine (like a specific breathing technique or a mental checklist), and remember that perfection isn't the goal; a strong, well-supported argument earns a 4 or 5. Working with a tutor gives you a chance to build confidence through repeated, supported practice and to develop specific strategies for handling the pressure in the moment.